Premier League club refunds fans after embarrassing performance

Sunderland
-
Sunderland fans who travelled across the country to see their team humiliated by Southampton will have the price of their tickets refunded by the club.

Sunderland conceded eight goals on Saturday, as Southampton recorded one of the biggest victories in Premier League history. But for the poor fans who journeyed a long way to witness their side’s dire performance, there will be some monetary restitution.

Anyone familiar with England’s geography will know that Southampton and Sunderland are not exactly close. It was a 630-mile, 11-hour round trip for many supporters, costing some upwards of £100 on public transport.

The club has set aside £60,000 ($98,000) to repay the 2,500 fans who the journey, with each already subsidised ticket costing £24 ($39).

As an extra act of kindness, fans who do not claim a refund will have the cost donated to local charity Grace House, who help children with terminal illnesses.

“We win and lose as a team, players, staff and fans, however we wanted to acknowledge and thank the supporters who travelled such a long way to give us their backing and despite everything, stayed with us until the final whistle.”

Only six times in Premier League history has a team scored more than eight goals in a match, and the eight-goal reverse was the Black Cat’s heaviest defeat in 32 years.

"It's the most embarrassing time I've had on a football pitch. I cannot watch it again," said manager Gus Poyet.

"I learned a lot about the players - the bad side as some gave up and I know who they are for the future. I feel very sorry for the fans."

Goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who proposed the idea of refunding fans’ money, was directly at fault for at least three of the goals.

They also conceded two own goals, as new Southampton recruits Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic ran riot.

Highlights and analysis of the match, including one of the best own goals you will ever see, can be seen below: